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How to play Jingle Bells on piano

Level
Easy
Key
C major
Composer
James Lord Pierpont
Written
1857

James Lord Pierpont published 'One Horse Open Sleigh' in 1857; it was written for Thanksgiving, not Christmas. The chorus is almost all on E, which makes it one of the easiest holiday songs to learn.

Jingle Bells letter notes

Press play to hear each line while the keys light up. Then play along, one line at a time.

Keyboard showing the notes used in this songCDEFG

  1. Jingle bells, jingle bells

    EEEEEE

  2. Jingle all the way

    EGCDE

  3. Oh what fun it is to ride

    FFFFFEEEE

  4. In a one horse open sleigh, hey!

    EDDEDG

  5. Jingle bells, jingle bells

    EEEEEE

  6. Jingle all the way

    EGCDE

  7. Oh what fun it is to ride

    FFFFFEEEE

  8. In a one horse open sleigh

    GGFDC

Underlined notes are long notes: hold them for two beats or more.

Hand position

Right hand in C position with thumb on C, finger 3 on E. Reach finger 5 to G.

Easy left-hand chords

Once the melody is comfortable, add these chords in your left hand, one per line or bar: C | C | F C | D7 G | C | C | F C | G7 C.

Chord diagrams: C major, F major, G major.

Practice tips

  • 'Jingle all the way' is E G C D E: the C is a little longer and the D is quick.
  • Keep finger 3 on E. It plays most of the chorus.
  • The second ending finishes on G G F D C. Watch for it.

How to practice this song

  1. Listen to each line once with the play button.
  2. Play one line slowly with the right hand until you make no mistakes three times in a row.
  3. Join two lines together, then the whole song.
  4. Add the left-hand chords, at half speed, once the melody is automatic.

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